● On view now — Gallery 154
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome as containers for oils, perfume, and tablewares. The variety of glass-making techniques reveals the changing tastes and fashions over the centuries. During the 1st century A.D., cast glass was a novel form that was a luxury for the Roman household, but by the end of the century, the innovation of blown glass - the technique used to create this vessel - allowed for less labor-intensive and less expensive production and meant people of lesser means could afford it. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
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Ancient Levantine — Jar
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean — Amphoriskos (Container for O
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean — Amphoriskos (Container for O
Ancient Egyptian — Vase
Ancient Egyptian — Flask
Byzantine — Pitcher
Ancient Mediterranean — Jug
Islamic — Flask
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean — Amphoriskos (Container for O
Byzantine — Ritual Flask
Ancient Egyptian — Bottle
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean — Hydriske